(NEW YORK) - On June 1, Jewelers for Children held the 16th Annual Facets of Hope event in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. The charity announced that $2.9 million had been raised to support their charity partners in the year ahead and that since 1999, more than $45 million had been donated on behalf of the industry to help children in need.

“JFC is the industry’s charity and by being involved, you are helping us make a difference in the lives of children and their families,” said Ruth Batson, JFC board chair.“Over the past 16 years, we have touched the lives of so many children and their families.”

The evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the program.

During the program, the organization recognized Mike Barnes, CEO of Sterling, Inc. and Glenn and Susan Rothman of Hearts On Fire.Guests heard from St. Jude patient Ellen and her mom Ann, as well as Judy Tudor, representing the National CASA Association.

Batson announced that the charity was pledging $750,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, $725,000 to Make-A-Wish America, $600,000 to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, $600,000 to the National CASA Association, $100,000 to Make-A-Wish India and $25,000 to the Santa-America Fund. The organization is also setting aside $100,000 to reward in a local grant, social media voting campaign to be held later this year.

Jewelers for Children was founded in 1999 by the U.S. jewelry industry with the mission of helping children in need. Their success is due to the continuing generosity of members of the jewelry industry. To learn more about Jewelers for Children, and how you can get involved, please visit www.jewelersforchildren.org.